Sandra Jo Sawyer

Sandra graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a degree in interior design in 1962.

Married to John Randolph ‘Randy’ Chance, Sr. in 1964, they had three children; Suzanne, John, and Shannon. Ultimately, she raised the children by herself while juggling two careers in the Dallas area.

After receiving her real estate license, Sandra worked in the Dallas area alongside her loving mother ‘Nell.’ They were the dynamic duo of real estate.

Her life’s work was entrusted to The University of Texas at Dallas. For 20 years she gave her gentle spirit, diligence, and kind heart to the school she loved. Sandra touched so many lives at UTD, from the coworkers in administration to the students as well. Sandra was part of the formative years that helped create the top tier school that The University of Texas at Dallas is today.

However, the guiding force in Sandra’s life was family. Sandra surrounded herself with family and extended family, near and far. Gathered in the kitchen cooking, or sitting drinking coffee and playing bridge around the table, the love of family was the grounding force in her life. The mayhem of a full house was her joy. Toddlers squealing and family coming together was her ultimate happiness. She embraced new members without question, was the master of cornbread stuffing, and her dimples could be seen for miles.

Sandra cheered your successes and shouldered your worries, but knew how to send her children into adulthood. A gentle nod and a nudge sent those in the direction she knew was right. She wasn’t afraid to let us fail, but encourage us she did, until we were finally on our feet. Our successes were her joy, even the smallest ones.

The epitome of a grandma, but known only as Ma, she spoiled with ice cream and viewed nap time as unnecessary. Loving and generous of spirit, she instilled the importance of family in all of her legacies.

Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Sandra will be forever loved and missed.

Sandra Jo Sawyer is survived by her children: Suzanne and her husband Glenn Kaletta, John and his wife Holly Chance, and Shannon Chance, her grandchildren, Meagan Venstad, Matthew and his wife Shayla Eadler, Danielle Kaletta, Jack Chance and Emily Chance, and her great grandchildren, Aidan Venstad, Ethan Venstad, Rylan Venstad, Jace Eadler, and Cade Eadler. Sandra is also survived by her brother James Sawyer.

Sandra’s tremendous spirit poured over into her love of rescuing animals. She was a staunch supporter of Cody’s Friends Rescue. If you feel moved, please donate to www.codysfriendsrescue.com